Rhodope MP Özgür Ferhat calls for strengthening of Kumçiftliği Animal Health Center

Rodopi New Left Party MP Özgür Ferhat submitted a parliamentary question to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Ministry of Interior, urging the enhancement of the Kumçiftliği Animal Health Center and improvements to veterinary services in the region.

Ferhat emphasized that the center plays a critical role in preventing and addressing livestock diseases that threaten public health, but it remains non-operational due to a lack of personnel. He warned that this situation jeopardizes the security of the livestock sector and the stability of the regional economy.

Key issues highlighted include:

Personnel Shortages: Despite modern equipment, the center is underutilized due to insufficient expert staff.
Gaps in Veterinary Services: The increasing need for control and prevention in the region is unmet.
Inadequacy of Temporary Contracts: Eight-month contracts fail to provide an effective, sustainable system.
Ferhat posed the following questions to the government:

Is there a concrete plan and timeline for the modernization and integration of the center into the region?
Has a schedule been established to make the center operational?
Is there a plan to provide “health compensation” for veterinarians due to hazardous working conditions?
Are permanent staffing solutions being considered for veterinary and support personnel?
Are there strategic measures beyond temporary contracts to address permanent staff shortages?
Ferhat stated that the East Macedonia-Thrace region urgently needs support to safeguard livestock and ensure the sustainability of the local agricultural economy. He called on the government to take immediate action to strengthen the Kumçiftliği Animal Health Center, highlighting its importance for public health and the safety of producers.

Ferhat reaffirmed his commitment to defending citizens' rights and pressuring the government to act across all sectors.